PETER SYMONDS HOLDS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SERVICE AT WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL
Peter Symonds College held its annual Christmas Carol Service at Winchester Cathedral on Monday 8 December. Talia Clay sang the solo opening verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ at the start of a traditional Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. College brass accompanied the congregational carols, and choral compositions from many eras were sung by the three College choirs, with biblical readings delivered by students.
Kelso Choir - the College’s chamber choir of experienced singers - sang works by Ken Burton, John Rutter and Pearsall, with James McQuat the soloist in the Wexford Carol. Vocal Ensemble sang Ubi Caritas by Gjeilo and two movements from Britten’s Ceremony of Carols. College Choir sang Gaudete, solo by Elliot Watson, and the Staff Choir sang Ding, Dong, Merrily on High. College Brass played a selection of music before the service, including The Normandy Carol by Robert Redhead, and accompanied the carols.
Principal Sara Russell and students Gabriel Carson, Lucy Hale, Vishu Sinha, Alvin Tony and Ting Yu delivered readings. Prayers were said by the Reverend Rhiannon Wilmott, Curate at St Matthew with St Paul, and the Reverend Canon Julian Poppleton, Cathedral Chaplain.
Sara Russell, said: “Hosting our carol service in the magnificent setting of Winchester Cathedral is always a truly special occasion, bringing our community together in celebration and reflection, and highlighting the exceptional musical talent of our students.”
Head of Music Rachel Platt, said: “We are proud to support our college in this annual service, where beautiful music and readings combine to inspire us all. This year we have included two new contemporary choral compositions: ‘Let Freedom Ring’ by Ken Burton, which has an inspirational message about social justice, and ‘Ubi Caritas’ by Ola Gjeilo, a contemplative setting of beautiful words which translate as ‘where charity and love are, there God is’.”
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“We are grateful again to the cathedral and clergy for supporting and enabling our carol service to take place.”
Katie Ho, member of the College’s Kelso Choir also commented: “'It gives a sense of togetherness when you sing in a choir, and at the Carol Service you bring people together from all over Winchester to celebrate Christmas.”
This year, the College has chosen to collect charitable donations for Step by Step, which is dedicated to empowering young people and preventing homelessness across Hampshire, Surrey, Dorset, Wiltshire, West Berkshire and West Sussex. The charity is vital in supporting homeless young people to find accommodation and also offers holistic support addressing emotional wellbeing, life skills, education, and employment.
If you would like to make a donation to Step by Step, you can do so by clicking on the following link: https://givealittle.co/c/5DPaLYMsTR5OA8LbCClO67.
The service can be viewed until Sunday 21 December via the link below:
https://youtube.com/live/9FDF9kuzWPU?feature=share
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Posted: 11 December 2025
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